Thank you! I’m delighted with the response to Allure of Sanctuary. The comments from listeners have been amazing! Touching people emotionally with my music is my ultimate goal, and it is so rewarding to hear from them.

 

I love the entire CD, but there's something extra special about Tip-Toe Dancer. It's beautiful! Would it be fair to say this is the track that has generated the most response? As you were putting the CD together, did you think "this will be the one..."? 

 

Thanks, Stephen. Tip-Toe Dancer has generated the most response so far. As you know, the inspiration came from a story Kathryn, a friend of many years, shared with me about her childhood. During gatherings for family and friends, she would ‘Tip-Toe Dance’ pretending to be a ballerina to entertain them. I hoped it would be a special song for listeners, and I'm delighted with the overwhelming response. 

 

Allure of Sanctuary- it's an intriguing title. In the CD's notes you say "The Sanctuary" is a retreat for artists in Washington. I'm assuming your addition of "Allure" means you found it an inspirational place in terms of creating music?

 

Yes, I  wrote the composition Allure of Sanctuary during a stay at “The Sanctuary”,  a visual and performing artists' retreat founded by Cynthia Hayward. It is a beautiful and secluded place where I felt liberated.... hence the title. 

 

At what age did you start to play the piano? Was piano playing part of your family life as a child? Did you create your own compositions? 

 

The family purchased a used upright piano so I could begin lessons at five years old. Mother loved piano, and greatly influenced my studies. She played as a child, but was reluctant to play in front of us. My father and brother did not play piano; they were deeply involved in sports. And honestly, other family members did not have much of an opportunity to use the piano- it was seldom unoccupied by me.... I loved it! The constant piano music eventually became a sound issue to my father and brother. They tired of listening to their TV sports programmes through earphones. So the piano and I were moved to a large family room on the other side of the home. The room was redesigned as a studio apartment, and I was in heaven now able to practice at any hour without disturbing anyone. I did not begin composing until much later.

 

Your four CDs to date seem to be classically influenced- your first two Pensare and Classical Serenity being collections of pieces from the likes of Bach and Sanucci, Allure of Sanctuary containing pieces by Erik Satie and It's About the Rose includes a piece with reference to Beethoven and Chopin. Are you classically trained? Do you play any other instruments?

 

Yes, I'm Classically trained, and love Classical music. I do not play other instruments at this time. 

 

Do you enjoy the work of other pianists in the genre? When you have the time, to what do you enjoy listening?

 

I do enjoy other pianists' works and genres of music as well (instrumental and vocal). I do not have much time to listen to music, but when I do, I enjoy most of all well performed written music.

 

You clearly feel indebted to your producer, Will Ackerman. Securing his services is quite a coup! How did the relationship come about?  

 

I asked him on two occasions if he would listen to my recordings and he said yes! I have always admired Will and his great works; he is a truly brilliant and exceptional man of our time. I'm honoured to be working with him. 

 

.... and with It's About the Rose released, what are your immediate plans for the future?

 

 

I wish you well with your plans! Finally, I can't end this interview without asking you about your Furry Friends! I take it you're a fan of dogs....

 

Thank you, Stephen! The Furry Friends / Children subject has turned into so much fun. The [sleeve notes for the] song Simple Things on the Allure of Sanctuary CD mentioned furry children as an inspiration because they add so much fun and love to our lives. Listeners began to write and send pictures about their furry friends, so we started a photo album on my website, www.kgpiano.com  It's true I am especially fond of dogs, and I can't imagine life without a dog! Currently Abbie (pictured right), a beautiful three year old black labrador is in charge of the house!  

Thank you to Karen for the Interview. Be sure to check out reviews of Karen's CDs Allure of Sanctuary and It's About the Rose. They're terrific albums, and well worth buying.